Report: Sunderland Bid €7m For French International?

You may remember our report from last week, where we told you about Josuha Guilavogui commenting on Sunderland's alleged interest in him;

My agent told me about it [rumoured interest from Sunderland and Galatasaray].

Well it looks as if Sunderland have stepped up their interest in the midfielder, as RMC are reporting that we have made an offer of €7m for Guilavogui. The report claims Saint-Etienne want to keep the newly capped French international and that the offer is unlikely to be enough to convince ASSE to sell.

In an recent interview, Guilavogui stated his desire to stay at Saint-Etienne;

I stay in Saint-Etienne next year. I have a contract until 2016. It is with this club that I joined the France group. In addition, next year, there is the World Cup in Brazil.

But he also recently spoke of his wish to play in the Premier League;

I'm young but I know I want to learn about other cultures, other football, other ways to play. One day I may state my desire to leave. I am interested, either at my football culture or in human: you do not speak the language, you get out of the cocoon. Do you feel it grow as a man? That's what I'm also interested in.

I have a preference for English and German championships. These are two footballs who talk to me and make me dream. I had the chance to see English games, including Arsenal, Newcastle in December. It finished 7-3! This is a dream. It makes you want to experience these games with many people in the stands.

With Sunderland looking to follow up their interest and Marseille also following him closely, Guilavogui may have to rethink his desire to stay at Saint-Etienne next season.

So another day, another transfer on the cards for Sunderland. After the link with Alfred Duncan and the rumoured signing of El-Hadji Ba yesterday, as well as the signing of Cabral on Monday, it's looking increasingly likely that the Sunderland midfield will be unrecognisable come the beginning of next season.